The estrogen levels were sky high at this past weekends’ #Beauty Chronicles, Women of Bad Boy Brunch series. Sponsored by ORS Olive Oil and Walgreens, the dynamic women’s empowerment brunch took place at the House of Macau in Hollywood, fit with two jam-packed panels. Topics discussed included the art of crushing negative stereotypes, working your way up the ladder with integrity, being an effective leader in male dominated industries and the essence of women supporting women in their professional journeys.
The first panel featured model and actress Eva Marcille, fashion stylist Goo Goo, Cheryl Flowers Briggs, Tracy V. Bell and more. Briggs, manager to Grammy-award winning artist Faith Evans, says that coming in to the entertainment industry at a young age, she wasn’t taken seriously. “When I landed the job at Bad Boy that was another struggle because it was all men running the promo department, marketing and ‘King Puffy’ running the company.” Briggs says that now with over 22 years at Bad Boy, it was critical for her to stay the course to end the perception that when a woman is successful, they must have compromised to achieve a high ranking position.
Talented actress and author Meagan Good moderated the second panel, engaging “Women of Bad Boy,” Laurieann Gibson, Faith Evans and Pam of the group Total into a lengthy discussion about their careers, longevity, and overcoming adversity.
Gibson says that as a born dancer and choreographer signed with Bad Boy, she faced many stereotypes that left many to view her as one-dimensional in her craft. Gibson said that in finding her God-given purpose, she decided to tap into music as another expression of her artistic gifts.
“Just because they don’t understand it, and they don’t want to respect it, there’s power in moving without opening your mouth,” Gibson stated. “But because I have to find a way to package that, and communicate that, and elevate myself beyond what man thinks it should be, the music and the lyrics help to connect that story.”
For Bad Boy vet Faith Evans, she says she “never felt undermined” solely because she “was a woman being a part of a label like Bad Boy”. The multi-platinum selling artist says that each of the women on the label had their own niche and earned respect in their own right as a result. Evans says its positivity that will take women a long way. “If you’re coming from the right place then you can’t go wrong. I think if you have a good heart and your focus is in the right place, then God will bless you,” Evans stated.
Meagan Good also offered a few nuggets of encouragement for millennial women looking to make their mark in respective industries. “The things that you desire in life check with God first, pray about it first, Good stated. “When you feel that God has given you His seal of approval, there’s nothing that can stop you. Don’t take rejection personal, stay focused and stay the course, do the work,” she added.
Event producer and brand strategist Ms. Dunnie O. says it’s important for women to stay positive, write down their plans, make their vision plain and make to-do lists toward achieving their goals. “I hope it will inspire women to really just love themselves, to know that they’re beautiful, to value themselves and taking care of how they present themselves,” Dunnie says.
The #BeautyChronicles, Women of Bad Boy five-city tour made its final stop in Los Angeles, but seeks to continue inspiring women to be their authentic selves.
